Cost of Living in Boulder, CO - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,328 (excluding rent), and $3,327 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,107 (excluding rent), and $5,976 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.62 $19.62

$15.70 $15.70

$44.16 $44.16

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$69.9 $69.9

$49.96 $49.96

$150 $150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.96 $10.96

$9.96 $9.96

$11.95 $11.95

Cappuccino

$5.72 $5.72

$2.96 $2.96

$8.89 $8.89

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.32 $3.32

$2.04 $2.04

$5.11 $5.11

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.40 $2.40

$2.02 $2.02

$4.04 $4.04

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.07 $6.07

$4.86 $4.86

$11.66 $11.66

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.85 $6.85

$5.87 $5.87

$11.75 $11.75

Milk (1 liter)

$1.02 $1.02

$0.80 $0.80

$2.13 $2.13

White Bread (500g)

$3.66 $3.66

$2.80 $2.80

$6.70 $6.70

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.51 $4.51

$2.07 $2.07

$9.00 $9.00

Eggs

$5.59 $5.59

$2.26 $2.26

$8.04 $8.04

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.97 $12.97

$6.48 $6.48

$25.94 $25.94

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$14.77 $14.77

$6.53 $6.53

$27.45 $27.45

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.87 $16.87

$13.04 $13.04

$21.74 $21.74

Apples (1kg)

$4.56 $4.56

$3.45 $3.45

$6.71 $6.71

Banana (1kg)

$1.45 $1.45

$1.08 $1.08

$4.32 $4.32

Oranges (1kg)

$3.74 $3.74

$2.50 $2.50

$13.26 $13.26

Tomato (1kg)

$4.87 $4.87

$2.90 $2.90

$9.02 $9.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.68 $2.68

$1.24 $1.24

$5.57 $5.57

Onion (1kg)

$2.62 $2.62

$1.92 $1.92

$4.35 $4.35

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.26 $2.26

$1.93 $1.93

$4.94 $4.94

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.28 $2.28

$1.01 $1.01

$9.08 $9.08

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.94 $9.94

$7.45 $7.45

$15.90 $15.90

Wine (Bottle)

$17.20 $17.20

$15.18 $15.18

$25.29 $25.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.92 $1.92

$1.77 $1.77

$4.37 $4.37

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.89 $3.89

$1.90 $1.90

$8.24 $8.24

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.70 $2.70

$4.91 $4.91

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$153 $153

$89.7 $89.7

$204 $204

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.56 $2.56

$5.10 $5.10

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.37 $1.37

$2.12 $2.12

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.30 $24.30

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.68 $0.68

$0.91 $0.91

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$27.0K $27.0K

$23.4K $23.4K

$36.1K $36.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.9K $25.9K

$25.3K $25.3K

$26.6K $26.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$191 $191

$134 $134

$300 $300

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$59.9 $59.9

$39.82 $39.82

$119 $119

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$72.3 $72.3

$45.67 $45.67

$131 $131

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$78.7 $78.7

$34.79 $34.79

$99.4 $99.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.80 $19.80

Cinema Ticket

$16.67 $16.67

$12.12 $12.12

$20.20 $20.20

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,423 $1,423

$794 $794

$1,985 $1,985

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$30.3K $30.3K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$73.1 $73.1

$50.4 $50.4

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$36.76 $36.76

$29.41 $29.41

$58.8 $58.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$88.1 $88.1

$58.8 $58.8

$118 $118

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$99.2 $99.2

$88.6 $88.6

$295 $295

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,153 $2,153

$1,797 $1,797

$2,495 $2,495

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,847 $1,847

$1,492 $1,492

$2,188 $2,188

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,989 $3,989

$2,981 $2,981

$4,968 $4,968

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,831 $2,831

$2,542 $2,542

$3,254 $3,254

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$4,432 $4,432

$4,316 $4,316

$6,442 $6,442

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$4,434 $4,434

$4,336 $4,336

$4,563 $4,563

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,259 $5,259

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.42

6.19

7.25

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Boulder, CO Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

326

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Boulder, CO - Frequently Asked Questions

Boulder offers a high quality of life, but affordability depends on choices. Cost of Living in Boulder, CO, United States tends to be above the national average, driven by housing costs, dining out, and leisure activities. You’ll find value in shared coworking spaces, off-peak dining, and outdoor programs that mix free outdoor access with paid experiences. Neighborhoods vary: central areas near Pearl Street are convenient but pricey, while farther edges offer more space for your money and easier access to trails. Short stays can feel premium, but long-term rentals may unlock more favorable terms. Tip: Plan ahead for peak seasons and pick neighborhoods with a mix of value and access.

Daily life in Boulder blends outdoor options with urban convenience. The housing search favors early planning and flexibility; consider nearby towns or larger homes to get more space at a reasonable price. Food options range from farmers markets and co-ops to diverse restaurants; cooking at home often beats dining out, especially with seasonal produce. For transport, cycling is practical year-round and a solid bus network covers many routes; rideshares fill gaps. Running errands is easiest in the pedestrian-friendly core, while off-peak hours lighten parking. Boulder, CO, United States living cost varies by area. Tip: Map your week around mountain access and budget for seasonal demand.

Quality of life in Boulder comes from balance: access to nature, safe streets, cultural events, and a walkable core. Build a simple budgeting framework: a clear housing target, set aside for transit and utilities, and a flexible entertainment fund. Seasonality matters for costs and activities: winter snows lift costs for heating and gear, summer hikes flood weekends with visitors, so plan ahead for availability and seasonal passes. For neighborhood fit, mix proximity to trails with practical access to groceries and coworking. Consider North Boulder for a quieter vibe, University Hill for nightlife, and trending East Boulder for newer housing. Tip: test a few neighborhoods during different seasons.